For Immediate Release: November 3, 2017
Game 6 (Road Game 5)
Vs. Wheeling Nailers (4-1-1-0, 9 PTS)
Friday, November 3, 2017 - 7:05pm ET
WesBanco Arena - Wheeling, WV
Overview: The Cyclones wrap up their five-game road trip on Friday night in Wheeling against the Nailers. Cincinnati is coming off of a 4-3 win on Wednesday night against the Kalamazoo Wings, and have won two of their last three seasons.
Wednesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (2-2-1-0) collected a 4-3 win over the Kalamazoo Wings on Wednesday evening. Forwards Andrew Radjenovic, Daniel Muzito-Bagenda, Brandon McNally, and Jesse Schultz netted the goals for the Cyclones, who have won two of their last three games. The Cyclones outshot the wings, 41-40, with Peters turning aside 37 in the win.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (1-2-1-0) fell to the Kalamazoo Wings, 5-3 on Saturday night. Defenseman Mitch Nylen, along with forwards Shawn O’Donnell and Justin Danforth netted the goals for the Cyclones. Cincinnati outshot Kalamazoo, 34-27, with Cyclones goaltender Anthony Peters turning aside 19 in the loss.
Last Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (1-1-1-0) picked up a 3-2 overtime win against the Ft. Wayne Komets on Friday night. Forwards Winston Day Chief and Andrew Radjenovic lit the lamp in regulation, while forward and assistant captain Shawn O’Donnell recorded the winner in overtime. The Cyclones outshot the Komets, 25-24, with goaltender Anthony Peters turning aside 22 in the win.
Previewing Wheeling: The Nailers won four of their first five games of the season, however are just 1-1-1-0 in their last three. They are coming off of a 5-4 loss in Brampton to the Beast on Sunday. Offensively, they are led by forwards Nick Sorkin (2g, 7a) and Cam Brown (1g, 8a) who each have nine points. Following them are a trio of eight-point scorers in forwards Reid Gardiner and Garrett Meurs (5g, 3a), and Cody Wydo (2g, 6a). In goal, Sean Maguire and Colin Stevens have each appeared in three games, however Stevens leads in both goals-against average (3.27) and save percentage (.907).
Inside the Series: This will be the second of six meetings between the Cyclones and Nailers this season, with Wheeling taking the first meeting, 4-2, back on October 21.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones return home on Saturday when they welcome in the Adirondack Thunder for the lone meeting between the two teams this season. The Cyclones swept a two-game series last year, and have taken all three all-time meetings.
NEED-TO-KNOW
SHARING IS CARING: The Cyclones have been spreading around the offensive responsibilities this season, as 15 players have recorded at least a point. Team goals leader Shawn O’Donnell (3g, 2a), captain Eric Knodel (1g, 4a), and veteran forward Jesse Schultz (1g, 4a) lead the way with five points, while rookie forward Justin Danforth (2g, 2a) and forward Daniel Muzito-Bagenda (1g, 3a) follow closely behind with four points each.
MILESTONE MOMENT: Cyclones defenseman Mitch Nylen recorded is first professional point in last Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Ft. Wayne Komets; an assist on Winston Day Chief’s second period goal. Nylen has appeared in three games this season, and turned pro late last in 2016-17, skating in a pair of games with the South Carolina Stingrays.
Stephens Reassigned, Karabacek Recalled: The Rochester Americans, American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones, have reassigned defenseman Devante Stephens to Cincinnati. Stephens was recalled last week, skating in one game with the Americans. He has appeared in a pair of games with the Cyclones, however has yet to register a point. Additionally, forward Vaclav Karabacek has been recalled by the Americans. The Praha, CZE, native has skated in each of Cincinnati’s games but does not have a point.
LEADERSHIP GROUP ANNOUNCED: Last Friday, The Cyclones announced the leadership group for the 2017-18 season. As decided by a team vote, this season’s captain will be defenseman Eric Knodel, and serving as assistants will be forwards Justin Vaive and Shawn O’Donnell. Knodel was the captain at the University of New Hampshire during his senior year, while O’Donnell previously served as an assistant captain in college at St. Mary’s University in Canada.
WELCOME BACK: The Cyclones season-opening roster includes seven players from the 2016-17 season, including three of their top five and five of their top 10 scorers. This season’s returners include Shane Walsh, who ranked second on last year’s team in scoring, followed by Shawn O’Donnell who was fourth and Brandon McNally in fifth. New captain Eric Knodel placed eighth in team scoring in 2016-17, while forward Dominic Zombo came in 10th and defenseman Arvin Atwal was 13th prior to his season being cut short due to injury. Forward Rob De Fulviis accounted for three points last season, along with accounting for 36 minutes in penalties in 26 games played.
NEW AFFILIATION: This offseason, the Cyclones, in conjunction with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Buffalo Sabres, announced a new affiliation agreement. For Cincinnati, the move comes following a 10-year partnership with the Nashville Predators, while the Sabres recently concluded a two-year relationship with the now-defunct Elmira Jackals. This affiliation will be a reunion of sorts for the cities of Cincinnati and Buffalo, as the Sabres’ American Hockey League (AHL) Affiliate from 1971-1974 was the Cincinnati Swords. The Rochester Americans will serve as Cincinnati’s new AHL affiliate, and have been the AHL affiliate of the Sabres since 2011. This is not the first time Cincinnati and Rochester have been affiliated, as the two clubs teamed up in 2010-11 when the Americans were affiliated with the Florida Panthers.
Stay Connected!: Follow the latest news on Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more! Also, for all of the latest news and notes, head over to www.cycloneshockey.com.
The 2017-18 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want YOU along for the ride! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones single game tickets, ticket packages, and Season and Group Tickets! Also, stay on top of the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!